Takahara-Dias’ tenure at UH comes to end

Coach not retained after Rainbow Wahine lose in WAC quarters

March 8, 2012

HONOLULU - Dana Takahara-Dias is out as University of Hawaii head women's basketball coach, athletic director Jim Donovan announced Wednesday.

The announcement came just hours after Takahara-Dias' third season with the Rainbow Wahine ended with a loss to Louisiana Tech in the quarterfinals of the Western Athletic Conference tournament in Las Vegas.

Under Takahara-Dias, the Rainbow Wahine compiled a 32-58 record, 15-31 in conference play.

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Takahara-Dias

Takahara-Dias was hired to replace Jim Bolla in May 2009. Bolla was fired amid allegations he kicked one of his players.

A former player and assistant under legendary UH coach Vince Goo, this was Takahara-Dias' first collegiate head coaching job.

"I really appreciate everything Dana has done to move the program forward, especially in regards to off the court issues," Donovan said in a statement. "That said, our expectation is that we have a winning, successful program on the court and that is why we are making the change."

A press release from the school said a national search for a replacement will begin immediately.

Earlier Wednesday, the sixth-seeded Rainbow Wahine ended their season at 11-19 after falling to third-seeded Louisiana Tech 63-54 at the Orleans Arena.

Kamilah Jackson recorded her 16th double-double of the season with 17 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out with 17 seconds left. Vicky Tagalicod added 13 points and Alissa Campanero had 12.

Molokai High School graduate Kalei Adolpho had three rebounds, two blocks and two turnovers in 11 minutes. She finishes her first year with the Rainbow Wahine with averages of 6.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game.

Jasmine Bendolph had 20 points and Shantale Bramble-Donaldson had 13 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Lady Techsters (16-14).